that's kinda Ophiuchus.....

To be quite honest, I read the horoscopes when i'm low on cash. Really. It usually gives me a lift that coffee often lacks and propels me into an abnormally hopeful belief that everything will turn out just fine somehow (it always does). I suppose that between my lack of religious knowledge and skepticism that aliens do not already walk among us, I am easily swayed by the thought that the stars and planets might bring me a lambo.

As expected, I was somewhat intrigued by the news that some star guys at the Minnesota Planetarium Society had determined that due to the moons gravitational pull on earth, we were all living with the false belief of what our true zodiac sign truly was. Basically, we all had our signs pushed ahead one, thus simultaneously imploding the global twitter network in a fit of panic and rage.

I did not panic ...I googled like any person that has absolutely no idea on a particular subject or topic. What I discovered was that I had the good fortune of becoming one of the newest cool kid crew, the Ophiuchus. Yes, it’s hard to figure out the correct pronunciation and the best explanation I have for that is this phonetic attempt....off-ih-YOU-cuss. Ok, so what does this mean about myself and others like me?

Astrologers have determined that we now are guilty of the following.....

• ·                     Seeker of peace and wisdom
• ·                     Attractor of good luck and jealousy
• ·                     Interpreter of dreams
• ·                     One who reaches for the stars
• ·                     Wearer of plaid (this one is oddly specific)

I say, awesome. I mean, even the plaid is a little retro cool in its own right…it gotta be, Target ads have people wearin it. So, while the rest of humanity is sulking like they've just discovered they were switched at birth (or that they’re not Ophiuchus's), I see this as an opportunity.

Stuff is a little out of whack most everywhere we look so why not use this new found sense of zodiac self as a springboard to start something new in this new year. I say, rock on Ophiuchus's!!! Let's take our plaid, hater blocker wearin selves.somewhere right up there with those funky outta whack stars in 2011....or at least to the gym…..i dunno.

Thanks for wasting your time with me,

Adam

Acupuncture

I have been seeing an acupuncturist for about a month now for lets just say, digestive issues. It was something that I wasn't sure I wanted to do, but after the random suggestions from many, I decided to try it. I am right now going to Harmony Wellness Center in Maitland and Christina Prieto is my doctor. She studied medicine at Florida College of Integrative Medicine and did a semester in China as well.

How it works is that they believe that energy flows through the body...which we all know it does. They call it Chi. It flows along several paths or meridian lines throughout your body. When they use the needles, the place them in the skin on certain points that trigger the nervous system to send more energy to certain spots.

Sewing Lessons

Maryanne has worked her magic yet again and taught me to sew this week. I made something very special for my best friend for her new baby. While I can't show it to you yet, (I haven't given it to her yet) I did use my new skills in making Olive her very own Pimento Jacket...Just in time for winter!

I definitely have a new hobby on my hands.

Strawberry Goodness

For as long as I can remember, my mom has made Strawberry Pie. I made it last night and it was a hit, I could have eaten the whole thing myself. But, I thought I would share the recipe for everyone...since it is Strawberry Season and all.

Morning Glory

Today, I started the day with a little baking. I used the whole foods recipe for Morning Glory Muffins. I substituted 1 egg for 3/4 c. of milk and added some dried cranberries. The house smells fantastic and Adam thinks they are fantastic.
So, Good Morning to you all and you should try the recipe!

A taste of Korea in Orlando

Two weeks ago we went in search of a Korean Restaurant in Orlando. There is about 3 that came recommended. We ended up at the Shin Jung Korean Restaurant off of Colonial. The food was great and atmosphere quite like the places in Gwangju, except we sat at tables. (The Seoul Garden in Maitland and Korean House in Longwood are two other very recommended places.)

What to do

Lately Adam and I have done a lot of talking, and talking, discussing what on earth is next. We have so many options in front of us which makes things really exciting.
We have narrowed them down to a few: (but they could change or be added to very easily)
1. Stay in the states, move to Denver area, work in bookstores and such and build our business plans for photography and my shop. Get an apartment and unpack our things..begin the grind of making it here.
2. Move back overseas and teach again...giving us the opportunity to save thousands of dollars, travel to new places, live within new cultures and sign a one year contract. Still work on our business plans and develop them in detail while we are gone.
When we look at it like this, really one does stick out as a way more fitting choice for us. Im sure those of you who know us see this too.

Daily Challenge

Adam and I have spent hours recently trying to figure out the "what's next" aspect of our life. It is exciting and scary and really full of so many options. I consider ourselves super fortunate.
I signed up online for a daily challenge, which to me is something silly... at first I thought that anyway. I am only on day three, but it has given me a small time each day to reflect on what's going on.

I think this is a really healthy thing to do each morning, both mentally and spiritually.

closing out 2010.... ;)

So long 2010....

Our year ended with the smiles we had been fortunate enough to keep the whole year through. I'll scrap the details (read the other 250 blogs for that) ;) . Honestly though, a year can mean a lot of things. Many times we close out a year with a mix of emotions that best sum up what the past 365 days meant to us as individuals. Some of us breathe a sigh of relief, some of us laugh, and some have reasons to feel very very different when we look back. Regardless, every new year brings about it the hope and promise we all save a place for in our hearts.

I hope for all of us that we can decide to be the change we want to see in the world and ourselves in this new year. New year, new smiles....and 365 days filled with all the happiness we all deserve.

A Very Happy 2011 all!

adam and nicole